The Gift of Homeopathy

There are many medicines and treatments for trauma, but some believe success starts within the patient.

Homeopathy is a safe example of healing. Founded by the German physician, Samuel Hahnemann in the 19th century, it is based on the “law of similars,” or “let likes be cured with likes.”

Most people are familiar with the homeopathic remedy Arnica, a poison if taken without proper care can produce symptoms similar to suffering contusions and bruises. In its diluted homeopathic form Arnica heals contusions and bruises. Today, orthopedic surgeons use it regularly.

In the late 1800’s there were hundreds of homeopathic doctors and hospitals throughout the United States. Flower Hospital in Manhattan and Hahnemann Hospital in Philadelphia were flourishing centers with proven clinical successes. According to the World Health Organization, homeopathy is the second most used form of healing in the world after Chinese herbal medicine.

Homeopathic treatment is designed to restore balance by prescribing natural non-toxic remedies that match an individual’s problems. In cases of trauma such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, traditional drug therapy only serves as a temporary means of control. Dr. Luc Montagnier, the Nobel Prize Laureate who discovered the AIDS virus, supports homeopathy as a form of treatment. A homeopathic remedy will allow one’s immune system to be activated, in turn the body healing its presenting symptoms. In other words, the body heals itself. The steps of homeopathy are no different than any medical treatment. An assessment is done to determine the whole picture of an individual. There are dozens of remedies that respond to PTSD, yet the correct remedy for someone depends on it being a match with who they are emotionally and physically.

A case from my own practice involved Pete, a Vietnam veteran who described a long history of anxiety and being stuck in grief. Pete had longstanding disappointments and bitterness with regard to relationships. He realized he fit the pattern of PTSD.

I created his Genogram, a psychological family tree that allowed me to get a full understanding of his life story and how and when his symptoms manifested. The remedy that matched these symptoms was Ignatia Amara, a pellet-like substance that treats nervousness and hypersensitivity. Within a few weeks of taking this remedy, many of Pete’s symptoms started to disappear. He had been in counseling several times over the past 20 years with little success as well as having been prescribed various medications. We followed up with weekly psychotherapy sessions. He immediately responded to specific breathing exercises and mindfulness relaxation techniques.

For the first time in years, Pete was able to improve his communication skills. Gradually, over a six-month period, there were marked improvements in his original symptoms. A follow-up remedy was determined that matched his true nature, which had been suppressed by his PTSD and would help him stay balanced. Homeopathy when combined with psychotherapy offers a positive process to resolve emotional and physical related issues without side effects.

Dr. Kenneth Silvestri is a psychotherapist and certified classical homeopath in private practice in the metropolitan New York City area. You can visit his website atwww.drkennethsilvestri.com.